Author: Ashleigh Brissett

On 17 November 2020, 194 countries committed to eliminate a cancer for the first time with the launch of the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. The strategy sets ambitious targets for 2030: 

• 90% of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15 
• 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again at 45 
• 90% of women with cervical disease receiving treatment 

What is HPV and Why Vaccinate? 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus transmitted through intimate contact which can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While most infections clear naturally, some HPV strains cause cervical and other cancers (including throat and anal cancers). HPV vaccination is key to prevention, however, HPV vaccination rates have declined in Australia in recent years.

The Australian National Strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer in Australia  has set national targets, that aligns with the WHO strategy:  

• 90% of all adolescents vaccinated against HPV by 15 years of age,  
• 70% of women aged 25-74 years participating in cervical screening every 5 years,  
• 95% of those with cervical disease receiving optimal treatment for pre-cancer and cancer,  
• Less than 4 new cases of cervical cancer for every 100,000 women.  

Parents and caregivers are urged to ensure adolescents receive the HPV vaccine, available free under the National Immunisation Program, primarily through a school-based program for young people aged 12-13 years. If young persons, up to the age of 25 missed the vaccine at school, they can still receive the HPV vaccine through their ACCHOs, GPs and some pharmacies. 

While elimination is within reach in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women continue to be unequally affected by cervical cancer. AH&MRC attended a World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day event hosted by The Cancer Institute NSW, to discuss research findings and strategies for scaling up cervical cancer screening and its potential impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. 

Here’s how ACCHOs and communities can take action: 

• Check immunisation history at each visit 
• Community members to book an appointment for vaccinations and cervical screening  
• Share accurate information with communities, family, and friends 

NSW Health has issued a measles alert for both community and clinicians following confirmed cases in the state. Public exposure locations are being updated regularly on the NSW health website. This comes amid a national warning from the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control in October, urging Australians to prioritise measles vaccination after outbreaks in four states.

There is an increased local risk for measles in NSW due to several recent public exposures (e.g. Oasis concert) and one locally acquired case in Sydney with no known source.

Consider measles in symptomatic people, regardless of their age, travel history, or measles vaccination status. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious complications. Measles is commonly spread when a person breathes in the measles virus that has been coughed or sneezed into the air by an infectious person. The first symptoms are fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and feeling unwell. A few days later a rash appears. Symptoms of measles usually start 10 days after being exposed to the virus but can sometimes take as few as seven or as many as 18 days to appear. The rash usually appears around 14 days after exposure to the measles virus.

Isolate cases of suspected measles and call your Public Health Unit urgently on 1300 066 055

Prioritise up to date immunisation including measles vaccination: 

• The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is available for free under the National Immunisation Program for children at 12 and 18 months of age.
• Anyone born during or after 1966 should have two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
• In NSW, the measles-mumps rubella is also free for anyone born after 1965 who has not already had two doses. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world now.
• Children under 12 months of age can have an extra, early dose of MMR as early as 6 months of age if they are travelling overseas.

Additional resources:  

AHCWA has developed a suite of useful resources to assist ACCHOs with preparing and responding to measles.

NSW health: Fact sheet on measles, information for contacts, NSW health clinician alert,   

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a complex diagnosis with impact in Aboriginal communities, as outlined in the 2023 NACCHO submission to the senate about the barriers to assessment and support services for people with ADHD.  

Until now, people seeking assessment and diagnosis for ADHD have been referred by their GP to see a paediatrician or psychiatrist. However, Stage 1 of the NSW ADHD prescribing reforms began on 1 September 2025, with trained GPs able to prescribe ongoing psychostimulant medication for patients aged 6 and over who have a previous ADHD diagnosis and are stable on treatment.

Stage 2 of the reforms, which will allow GPs to diagnose ADHD and initiate medication, is expected to commence in early 2026. Details about training and eligibility for this next phase will be released later this year.

What This Means for ACCHOs and Primary Care Providers  

These changes have the potential to improve equity and expand access to culturally-safe ADHD management through trained GPs (continuation prescriber) in NSW ACCHO’s able to represcrbe ADHD medication for stable patients. 

• GPs can now apply to become “continuation prescribers”, allowing them to prescribe ongoing ADHD medication for eligible patients. 
• Training is funded by NSW Health, and priority will be given to GPs working in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
• This reform helps free up specialist appointments for new and complex cases, while enabling GPs to provide more holistic, accessible care.

ADHD Treatment Is More Than Just Medication 

While medication can play an important role in managing ADHD, it’s not the only option. Many individuals benefit from a multimodal approach that includes:

For children and adolescents: 

• Parent training and support programs
• Classroom-based interventions
• Behavioural therapy
• Speech and occupational therapy (especially for co-occurring developmental concerns)
• Social skills training
• Support with emotional regulation and executive functioning

For all age groups: 

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Executive function coaching
• Mindfulness and lifestyle strategies
• Psychoeducation and peer support groups

These approaches can help improve emotional regulation, time management, and daily functioning—especially when tailored to the individual’s age, environment, and co-existing conditions.  

For more information and resources about ADHD:  

• RACGP & NSW Health information webinar on the reform on 9 September 2025 is freely available on NSW ADHD reforms – expanding GP care of ADHD 
• ADHD care in general practice | Agency for Clinical Innovation  
• ADHD in children & teenagers | Raising Children Network 
• ADHD Foundation : Offers support, education, and referral pathways ADHD Foundation 
• Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) Prescribing Guide: A comprehensive resource for clinicians managing ADHD across age groups. 

If you have any feedback and suggestions about these ADHD reforms from the sector, please email publichealth@ahmrc.org.au, and we will collate and advocate, if needed.